ANTHONY Milford says the Brisbane Broncos players are itching to be ‘playing footy’ again.

The NRL giants face Warrington Wolves in the World Club Series at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow, Saturday, in what will be their final ‘friendly’ before their new season starts against reigning champions Cronulla Sharks on March 2.

Milford joined the rest of Wayne Bennett’s men in their final training run today at Victoria Park Stadium, the home of Latchford Albion Amateur Rugby League Club.

“Today was really good, it was just about fine tuning our plays and defensive drills so we can go into tomorrow knowing we have done everything and prepared as best as we can,” said the 22-year-old stand off, one of the NRL’s true entertainers.

Wolves will gain a lot from Gidley switch to full back

“It has been a long pre-season. A lot of the boys enjoy coming over here. We’ve been here for the past two years (playing Wigan in the World Club Series). It’s really good for us and just sets the tone for our season.

“We’re looking forward to this match and then getting home and starting our NRL season.”

New Zealand prop Adam Blair, fellow countryman Benji Marshall and Ashton Sims’ brother Korbin are the biggest three names of those squadmen not to have made the trip from Down Under but Wolves are set to face a strong Broncos 17 in a game that is considered a boost for the sport at international level.

“It’s helping the wider game and that’s important,” said Milford.

“Warrington will be a tough side to come up against. We’re all looking forward to this challenge and we’ve prepared the best way we can and brought our best 17 available across.”

Milford has played at The Halliwell Jones Stadium before, as has teammates Darius Boyd, Sam Thaiday and Alex Glenn.

Kangaroo internationals Boyd and Thaiday were in opposition to Kiwi Glenn when Australia faced New Zealand in the Four Nations opener at Wolves’ den in 2011.

Much more memorable though was when Milford played for Samoa against New Zealand and Fiji at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

“I was telling the boys earlier, Warrington was our home base and I love it here. The people were awesome to us. It’s good to be back,” said Milford, who was then with Canberra Raiders and operating as a full back.

Warrington Guardian:

Anthony Milford, front right, performing a tribal war dance with his Samoa teammates at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the 2013 Rugby League World Club. Picture by Mike Boden

“It was a very good game where we came back at the Kiwis. If only I’d kicked the goals over!

“I have very fond memories being here in Warrington. The crowd loved us. The Warrington people were awesome to everyone in the Samoan team.

“The Warrington fans have their own team to support tomorrow so might be a bit different. Hopefully we can swing a few heads and have a few Broncos fans inside the crowd.”

Broncos squad: Jai Arrow, Darius Boyd, Herman Ese’ese, George Fai, Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn, Ben Hunt, Jordan Kahu, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, David Mead, Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Jonus Pearson, James Roberts, Jaydn Su’A, Sam Thaiday.